Closures, Late Starts, Early Dismissals

When inclement weather is predicted, several factors determine when schools will be closed or delayed.

We rely on local meteorologist expertise and closely watch weather predictions and possible changes in conditions throughout the day.

The district has designated personnel that drives sectors of the district in the very early morning hours to determine if major roads are passable and whether snow routes will be in effect. The director of Transportation and Transportation supervisor are just two of the people that drive the district.

Additionally, the superintendent coordinates with neighboring districts regarding the decision to delay or close schools due to inclement weather.

With 110 square miles of land and several micro-climates within the NKSD boundaries, some small areas may be experiencing hazardous road conditions for a short period, while most of the district is not experiencing any hazardous road conditions.

School Closure - If school is closed, all out-of-district transportation, meetings, field trips, after-school activities, and practices will be canceled for the day unless otherwise announced. All evening meetings/functions scheduled to take place in district facilities will also be canceled.

Two-Hour Delay - If there is a two-hour delayed start, the following schedule changes will apply:

• Buses will run 2 hours late
• No Morning Preschool
• No Breakfast Program
• No Out-of-District Transportation
• No Before School Activities
• No Secondary Zero-Hour Classes

Early Release - In extreme conditions, school may be closed after the district has announced a two-hour delay due to further deterioration of the weather or students may be released early. Parents should have a backup plan if this happens. The district may decide to release and transport secondary students (grades 6-12) early so that buses are ready to pick up elementary students at the scheduled time.

If school is not closed or delayed for the day, no announcements will be made via email, phone call, text, or website. Students and staff should report to schools at the normal time. The district does not send out official notifications that school is in session, however, we may post a friendly reminder on our social media pages.

In the event of school closure, delay, or dismissal:

• ParentSquare direct notification via email, text message and app push notification by 6:00 am whenever possible. (You must have current email and cell phone number listed in Skyward) 

• Website - On-screen alert will appear on all pages.

• Facebook - Inclement weather notifications will be posted on the NKSD Facebook page . Notification on social media will post by 6:00 am when possible.

• Flash Alert/News Outlets - FlashAlert is how school districts, fire agencies, and police provide emergency information to news outlets. Sign up for FlashAlert and get notified instantly!

Given these options, we will no longer initiate a phone call-out on inclement weather mornings.

Alternate bus stops may be used during inclement weather. When snow routes are activated, an official notification will be sent out with a link to Snow Routes. Snow Routes are usually posted in November each year on the Snow Routes page of the Transportation Department website.

Direct link: nkschools.org/snow-routes

You may reach Transportation Services at (360) 396-3099 for questions regarding alternate bus stops or delays in service.

If you would like your child to come home early because they walk or drive home on their own, you may either call the school office to give permission or your child may call you from the school office.

For information on Kitsap County winter storm preparation and shelter information, click here.